The International Apparel Federation (IAF) president Han Bekke has advised apparel manufacturers in Pakistan to be more creative in order to be competitive in exports.
According to Bekke, it is up to Pakistan’s apparel industry whether they want to continue as low-cost textile product supplier for the global market or plan to add more value to its exports.
He further added that Pakistan needs to focus on product development, fashion education and creativity if they want to become the first option. Bekke came to Sialkot for the inauguration of IAF’s regional office in Pakistan. The country became first in the world to have IAF’s regional office.
Bekke feels that uniqueness and competitive nature clubbed together makes you different from others. Since the global market has various options to choose from, one’s unique design may lure global retailers towards them.
He cited examples for Hong-Kong and Turkey. Both the locations were known as a low-cost hubs for apparel as well as a low-wage country for Europe. While, Hong-Kong invested in the fashion industry; Turkey invested in creativity, product and design development. Both the countries now feature the leading global brands in their stores and boutiques.
IAF, the only international platform for business contacts in the apparel industry of its over 40 member-nations, came into existence in 1972.
